Seeker Imaging System Super Resolution Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern precision guided munitions face challenges in achieving high resolution imaging while minimizing weight and volume, as increasing pixel count for target recognition slows down tracking algorithms and requires larger optics, which increases the seeker's size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A seeker imaging system that uses multiple optical elements to capture multiple low-resolution images slightly offset from each other, which are then processed using a super resolution algorithm to generate a high-resolution image, reducing the size and weight of the optics while maintaining field-of-view and target tracking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high pixel count focal plane array is used to increase resolution, then the number of pixels-on-target increases, but the field-of-view is narrowed and the search area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The focal plane array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, each capturing a portion of the image. By processing these segmented portions independently and then combining them, the system achieves high resolution while maintaining a wide field-of-view, resolving the contradiction between detail and search area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational dimension by generating multiple virtual images at different resolutions from the same physical sensor data. This allows the system to access both high-resolution details and wide-field-of-view information simultaneously through multi-scale image representation.
2Measurement precision
If a larger FPA is used to increase pixel count, then the number of pixels-on-target increases, but the optics size and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large FPA, the system creates multiple virtual copies of the image at different resolutions by processing sub-arrays computationally. This allows high-resolution imaging without requiring proportionally larger physical optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resolution parameter dynamically by generating images at multiple virtual resolutions from the same physical sensor. This allows the effective pixel count to be adjusted without changing the physical FPA size, thereby maintaining compact optics while achieving high resolution.
3Productivity
If pixel binning is used to increase update rate, then the frame rate increases, but the pixels-on-target are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which sub-arrays are processed and at what virtual resolution based on the operational requirements. During high-speed tracking, the system can process sub-arrays at lower virtual resolutions to increase update rate, while maintaining the capability to generate high-resolution images when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and detail.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for reduced volume and weight of the seeker while maintaining high resolution imaging and target tracking update rates, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of optical elements are configured to receive light and direct the light to the at least one imager
Implementation Method 2
the control electronics is configured to obtain a plurality of initial images from each frame of the image frame data, and wherein the control electronics is configured to generate a single output image based upon the plurality of initial images
Data Source
AI summary
A seeker imaging system and method includes at least one imager, a plurality of optical elements, and control electronics. The at least one imager is configured to output image frame data. The plurality of optical elements are configured to receive light and direct the light to the at least one imager. The control electronics are configured to receive the image frame data from the at least one imager. The control electronics is configured to obtain a plurality of initial images from each frame of the image frame data, and wherein the control electronics is configured to generate a single output image based upon the plurality of initial images.